A viral rumor has been circulating, leaving NBA fans in disbelief and sparking curiosity. According to the rumor, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is allegedly planning to change his name. However, let’s set the record straight and dive into the truth behind this speculation.
It is no secret that Tatum holds a deep admiration for the late Kobe Bryant. From idolizing the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player to training alongside him after entering the league, Tatum has openly expressed his admiration. He even modeled his game after Bryant, and their similarities on the court are evident.
One memorable tribute occurred during Game 7 of the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference finals when Tatum sported a purple “24” armband, honoring his idol, Kobe. After the game, Tatum shared his sentiments with reporters, stating, “That was my idol. That was my inspiration, that was my favorite player. I wanted to wear that armband to honor him and kind of share that moment.”
While the majority of NBA fans appreciate Tatum’s deep admiration for Kobe Bryant, some perceive it as a bit cheesy. However, a tweet from the NBA Centel Twitter account claiming that Tatum is legally changing his name to “Kobe Bryant” sent shockwaves among fans.
It is important to note that the post originated from the NBACentel account, which is a parody account and not affiliated with the legitimate NBACentral social media news provider. Although the tweet cited popular NBA insider Chris Haynes, it is undoubtedly fake.
Tatum’s connection to Bryant is undeniable, especially considering that he had even texted the late basketball icon before Game 7. His admiration for Kobe is profound, but there is no truth to the rumors of him changing his name.
While the rumor may have sparked intrigue and generated discussion, it is crucial to differentiate fact from fiction. Tatum remains firmly known as Jayson Tatum, a rising star in the Boston Celtics organization.
As the NBA season approaches, fans can focus on Tatum’s on-court performances, his growth as a player, and his continued dedication to honoring the legacy of his idol, Kobe Bryant. Let us not get caught up in fictional narratives and instead appreciate the real talent and passion that Tatum brings to the game.
